Energy transfer in

Turbo machines
Configuration of a basic turbine
Configuration of a basic turbine
 Relative motion 1D
U
No wind
W=-U

U
Tail wind
V

W=0

V Head wind

W = V + ( – U) (vectorial addition)

U is the “frame velocity”

V is the “absolute velocity” or the velocity that an observer experiences.
W is the “relative velocity” or the velocity experienced by the walker.
 Relative motion 2D

W=U

Velocity Triangles for an Aircraft Landing

Note : Absolute velocity is the vector sum of the frame velocity and the relative velocity. V = U +
W
 Graphical addition and subtraction of vectors

• To add two vectors A + B graphically : Place them nose – to –

tail and the result is given by movement from the tail of the
first to the nose of the second.

• To subtract two vectors A - B graphically : Reverse the direction

of B and proceed with addition of vectors as before.
 Flow through turbomachines

1 x
1 2 3
Stator

Cascade and Meridional Views of a Turbine Stage

 Velocity Triangles for a Turbine Stage

Velocity triangle at 2

Velocity triangle at 3
 Energy transfer in turbomachines
• According to Newton’s second law of motion, the sum of all the
forces acting on a control volume in a particular direction is equal
to the rate of change of linear momentum of the fluid across the
control volume.

m V2  V1  
• That is,
F   m V2  V1 
dt
or,

 F  dt  m V2  V1 
Impulse acting on the
body Change in momentum of the
body in the time period dt
Where,
m = mass of the body (kg)
V1 = initial velocity of the fluid (m/s)
V2 = final velocity of the fluid (m/s)
This equation is a modified form of Newton’s second law of motion
and is known as Impulse Momentum Equation
 Energy transfer in turbomachines
• The impulse momentum equation is used to study the impact of
fluid jet striking a stationary or moving plate and also to study
general fluid flow characteristics.
• When the flowing fluid with initial velocity V1 is obstructed by a
surface such as vane, blade etc., the fluid undergoes a change in
momentum. The impulsive force acting on the fluid by the surface
is: 
F  m V2  V1 
• According to Newton’s third law of motion – for every action there
is equal and opposite reaction. Therefore, the fluid reacts to this
and exerts equal and opposite force on the obstructing surface,
given by

F  m V1  V2 

• Similarly, the sum of all torques acting on the system is equal to

the rate of change of angular momentum.
 Energy transfer components
• Fig. shows rotor of a generalized turbomachine. o-o is the
axis of the shaft which rotates with an angular velocity ω.
• The fluid enters the rotor at 1 and leaves at 2 after passing
through the rotor by any path. The angle of entry and exit
may be arbitrary.
 Energy transfer components
• Let V be the absolute velocity of the fluid entering the
rotor at 1 at any angle. This velocity vector may be
resolved into three mutually perpendicular components:
• Axial component Va
• Radial component Vr
• Tangential component Vw
• Axial component : This is parallel to the axis of rotation.
Axial force is produced due to change in magnitude
of this component. This axial force is taken by the thrust
bearing of t he machine which is finally transferred
to the housing.
• Radial component : This is parallel to the radius of the
rotor. Radial force is produced due to change in the
magnitude of this component. Radial forces are taken by
journal bearings.
• It should be noted that no torque is exerted on the rotor
by these two forces, i.e., axial and radial.
 Energy transfer components
• Tangential component : The torque is exerted on the rotor
only due to the change in the angular momentum of the
tangential component.
• Assumptions:
• Fluid enters and leaves the vane in a direction tangential to the
vane tip at inlet and outlet.
• There is no frictional resistance as the fluid flows over the vane.
• Let
V = absolute velocity of fluid (m/s)
N = speed pf rotation of the rotor (rpm)
r = radius of the rotor (m)
ω = angular velocity of the rotor (rad/s) = 2πN/60
u = linear velocity of vane tip (peripheral velocity) (m/s)
= πdN/60

m = mass flow rate of fluid (kg/s)
d = rotor diameter (m)
 Euler turbine equation

• Tangential momentum of fluid at entry =V m
w1 
• Angular momentum (moment of momentum) at entry =V m r
 w1 1
• Angular momentum at outlet =V m r2
w2
• T = torque on the rotor = change of angular momentum

 Vw1r1  Vw 2 r2  m
• Work done = rate of energy transferred = T x ω

 V r  V r  m 
w1 1 w2 2
• But we know that ωr 1 = u 1 and ωr2 = u2. Therefore,


W .D.  Vw1u1  Vw 2u2  m ----- (1)

• Work done per unit mass flow rate

 Vw1u1  Vw 2u2  ----- (2)
 Euler turbine equation

• Equations (1) and (2) are two forms of Euler turbine equation
or Euler equation.
• Euler equation applies to all turbomachines – pumps, fans,
blowers, compressors and turbines (steam, gas, water).
• If Vw1u1 > Vw2u2, the RHS of equation (2) is positive and then
the machine is called turbine (power generating machines).
• If Vw2u2 > Vw1u1, the RHS of equation (2) is negative and then
the machine is called pump, fan, blower or compressor
(power absorbing machines).
• If Vw1u1 > Vw2u2 and Vw2 is negative, i.e., Vw2 is opposite to that
of Vw1, then equation (2) can be written as:

Work done / unit mass flow rate   vw1u1    vw 2u2     vw1u1  vw 2u2 
 Alternate form of Euler turbine equation

v2 w2
vr2
α2 β2
vw2
u2

Outlet velocity triangle

/ OUTLET

v1 w1 vr1
α1 β1
vw1
u1

Inlet velocity triangle

 Alternate form of Euler turbine equation
Let
• v = absolute velocity of fluid
• w = relative velocity of fluid (relative to the rotor)
• u = peripheral velocity or vane velocity
• vr = radial component of absolute velocity (flow velocity)
• vw = tangential component of absolute velocity (whirl velocity)
• Suffixes 1 and 2 indicate inlet and outlet conditions respectively
From inlet velocity triangle,

vr21  v12  vw21 -------- (3)

Also, v  w
2
r1
2
1   2
 u1  vw1  w12  u12  2u1vw1  vw21 -------- (4)
Equating equations (3) and (4), we get

v12  vw21  w12  u12  2u1vw1  vw21

 Alternate form of Euler turbine equation
• On simplification we get,

u1vw1 
 v 2
1  u12  w12 
2
• Similarly,

u 2 vw 2 
 v 2
2  u22  w22 
2
• Substituting these values in the Euler’s equation

W .D / unit mass flow rate   vw1u1  vw 2u2  we get,

Work done


v12  u12  w12

 
v22  u 22  w22 
Mass flow rate 2 2
 Alternate form of Euler turbine equation
Work done

    
v12  v22  u12  u22  w22  w12 
Mass flow rate 2
This is an alternate form of Euler turbine equation

Components of energy transfer

• First component (v12-v22)/2 is the change in absolute kinetic
energy. Due to this, a change in dynamic head or pressure
takes place through the machine. The exit kinetic energy
will be more in power absorbing machines(e.g., pump) while it
will be less in power producing machines (e.g., turbine)
• Second component (u12-u22)/2 is the change in centrifugal
energy of the fluid due to change in radius of rotation. This
causes a change in static head or pressure through the rotor.
• Third component (w22-w12)/2 is the change in relative kinetic
energy due to change in relative velocity. This also causes a
change in static head or pressure through the rotor.
 Alternate form of Euler turbine equation
Radially outward and inward flow machines
• For radially outward flow machines, u2 > u1 and hence the
fluid gains in static head, while, for a radially inward flow
machine, u2 < u1 and the fluid loses its static head. Therefore,
in radial f low pumps or compressors the flow is
always directed radially outward, and in a radial flow turbine
it is directed radially inward.
  𝜋 𝐷𝑁
𝑢=
60

RADIALLY OUTWARD RADIALLY INWARD

Energy transfer in axial machines
• For an axial flow machine, the main direction of flow is
parallel to the axis of the rotor, and hence the inlet and
outlet points of the flow do not vary in their radial locations
from the axis of rotation. Therefore, u1=u2 and equation of
energy transfer will be

Work done

  
v12  v22  w22  w12 
Mass flow rate 2
 Conventions in drawing velocity triangles

Vf or Vr or Cm
V or C W or Vr

α β

Vw or Vu or Cu
u or U

u or U : Peripheral velocity, πDN/60

V or C : Absolute velocity
W or Vr : Relative velocity
Vf or Vr or Cm : Component of absolute velocity in the flow direction
Vw or Vu or Cu : Component of absolute velocity in the tangential
direction
α : Angle between absolute velocity and peripheral velocity vectors
(Guide blade angles)
β : Angle between relative velocity and peripheral velocity vectors
(Vane angles or Blade angles)
  : Guide blade angles
  : Vane/blade angles
 Impulse and Reaction

• In general, turbomachines can be classified into the

impulse type and the reaction type depending upon the
type of energy change that occurs in the rotor blades.
• An impulse stage is one in which the static pressure at inlet
and outlet of the rotor remains the same (ΔP=0 in the
rotor). This also means that the relative velocity of fluid
flow is constant in the rotor.
• A reaction stage is one where static pressure changes during
flow of fluid in the rotor (ΔP>0 in the rotor).
• The degree of reaction is a parameter that describes the
relation between the energy transfer due to static pressure
change and the energy transfer due to dynamic pressure
change.
 Degree of Reaction

• The degree of reaction (R) is defined as the ratio of energy

transfer by static pressure in the rotor to the total
energy transfer in the rotor.
Static energy

R 2
u  
 u22  w22  w12
1
2

    
v1  v  u12  u22  w22  w12
2
2  Total energy
or,
Static enthalpy change h1  h2
R 
Total enthalpy change ho1  h02
For axial flow machines, u1 = u2 and hence,

R
 w w 2
2
2
1
v  v    w  w 
2
1
2
2 2
2 2
1
 Degree of Reaction

• The value of R may be zero, negative or positive in a

turbomachine.
• If there is no change in the static pressure in the rotor and u1 = u2,
then such a machine is called an impulse type of machine.
Therefore, for impulse type machine, R = 0.
• In an impulse type machine, if the fluid enters and leaves the rotor
at different radii, a change of static pressure occurs in one
direction. An equal amount of change in static pressure occurs in
the opposite direction to render Δp=0.
• In an impulse type machine (i.e., zero degree of reaction), the rotor
can be of open type, i.e., an open jet of fluid with no connection
with the rotor.
• A machine with any degree of reaction (R = 0) must have the rotor
enclosed in order avoid expansion of fluid in all directions.
Such machines are called reaction type machines.
 General analysis of a turbomachine
Effect of blade outlet angle β2 on energy transfer
• The blade outlet angle β2 in a radial machine significantly
affects the work done and the degree of reaction
• Its effect can be studied by making the following assumptions:
• Centrifugal effect at outlet = 2 x centrifugal effect at inlet (u 2 = 2 u1)
• Radial velocity (flow velocity) is constant (Vf1 = Vf2 = Vf )
• No tangential component at inlet (Vw1= 0; α1= 90˚; Vf1= V1)
• Inlet blade angle (and hence fluid angle) is 45˚ (u 1= V1= Vf)
• Outlet blade angle β2 is variable
• From equation for work done,

W .D. / unit mass flow rate  Vw1u1  Vw 2u2    Vw 2u2

 Effect of blade outlet angle β2 on energy transfer
• Therefore it follows that
Vw 2u 2 V W
H Vf
g β
α

H   u 2  V f 2 Cot 2 
u2 Vw
g u
Q
Q2  Q  A2V f 2 ; or V f 2 
A2
Considering rotor operating at
u2  Q Cot  2 
H  u 2   a given speed and putting
g  A2  u 22
K1 
g
 u 22   u2 Cot  2 
H      Q u Cot 2
K2  2
 g   gA2  gA2
H  K1  K 2 Q
 Effect of blade outlet angle β2 on energy transfer
• For a given pump or a compressor u, A and β2 are fixed and the
only variables are H and Q. Centrifugal pumps and
compressors can be classified as under:
• Backward curved blades β2 < 90°
• Radial blades β2 = 90°
• Forward curved blades β2 > 90°
• For backward curved blades:
• β2 < 90° (and α1 = 90°, Vw1 = 0, Vf1 = V1 as assumed)
• Hence,
• K2 is positive
• H-Q line has negative slope
• Outlet tip of the blade is in the direction opposite to that of
rotation.
• Flow and wheel rotation are in the same direction.
 Effect of blade outlet angle β2 on energy transfer

• For radial blades:

• β2 = 90°, Vw2 = u2, W2 = Vf2 (and α1 = 90°, Vw1 = 0,
Vf1 = V1 as assumed)
• Hence,
u 22
• K2 = 0, H = K1 = = Constant.
g

• Head is constant for all flow rates.

• Flow and wheel rotation are in the same direction.
• Outlet tip of the blade is in the radial direction.
Effect of blade outlet angle β2 on energy transfer

• For forward curved blades:

• β2 > 90° (and α1 = 90°, Vw1 = 0, Vf1 = V1 as assumed)
• Hence,
• K2 is negative.
• H-Q line has positive slope
• Flow and wheel rotation are in the same
direction.
• Outlet tip of the blade is in the direction of
rotation.
Effect of blade outlet angle β2 on energy transfer

β < 90˚ β = 90˚ β > 90˚

Backward curved blade Straight radial blade Forward curved blade

• It can be seen that the tangential

component Vw2 is least for blade
with β2 < 90˚ and maximum with
Forward
0˚ β2 > 90˚.
β>9

β = 90˚
• Very high V2 is not preferred due
Head, H

Radial
β<
to requirement of large diffusers
9 0˚
for pressure recovery.
Backward • Practically β2 > 90˚ is not
preferred
• Radial blade with β2 = 90˚ is used
Flow, Q for applications requiring high
pressures.
General analysis – power absorbing centrifugal machines

• Work done in an adiabatic process, assuming α1=90˚, Vw1=0, V1=Vf1

 Vw 2 
W .D.  u 2Vw 2  u  2
2
  h0 This is also known as “stage work”
 u2 
• For constant flow velocity,
V1  V f 1  V f 2  u1 tan 1

• From exit velocity triangle,

Vf 2
Tan  2  V W
u 2  Vw 2 Vf

α β

Vf 2 Vw
Tan  2  u
Vw 2
General analysis – power absorbing centrifugal machines

Tan  2 V f 2  u2  Vw 2   Vw 2 
   
Tan  2  Tan  2 V f 2  V f 2   u2 
 
  
 Vw2    u 2  V 
w2 

Substituting in the equation for W.D.,

 Vw 2  2 Tan  2 

W .D.  u 2Vw 2  u 
2

 
 u2  
 Tan  2  Tan  2
2
 u2  
The power absorbed therefore, will be

   
P  m W .D.  m h0  m C p T0  m u2Vw 2
  Tan  2 

P  mu  2
2

 Tan  2  Tan  2 
 General analysis – power absorbing centrifugal machines

• Degree of reaction

W .D  static

u 2
2  
 u12

w12  w22
2 2

W .D. total   
u 22  u12

w12  w22 

V22  V12 
2 2 2

or , W .D. total  W .D. static 

V22  V12
2
pressure rise in the rotor  p  static
R 
pressure rise in the stage  p  total
W1
Vf1=V1

• From inlet velocity triangle, 1 1

u1

w12  u12  V12

 General analysis – power absorbing centrifugal machines

• We know that the static pressure rise (Δp)static through the

impeller is due to the change in centrifugal energy and the
diffusion of the relative flow.

 u22  u12
 p  static   W .D. static    
 
w12  w22  
2 2 
 
• Similarly, the total pressure rise through the impeller is,

 p  total   W .D. total   


 u 22  u12

 
w12  w22

 
V22  V12   or ,
2 2 2 
 

 p  total  V22  V12

  p  static   
 
2 
 
General analysis – power absorbing centrifugal machines
• For the assumption of α1 = 90˚ and V1 = Vf1 = Vf2 we have, from
inlet velocity triangle,
w12  u12  V12 …………..(a)

• We know that the static pressure change can be written as


 u22  u12
 p  static     

w12  w22  
2 2 
 
• Substituting for W12 from equation (a) and simplifying, we get

 u 22  w22  V f21 
 p  static    

(Since V1 = Vf1) …………..(b)
 2 
• From exit velocity triangle for β2 > 90°, we get V2
W2 Vf2
2
 Vw 2  u 2 
2 2
w V
2
2
2
f2 u2
VW2
General analysis – power absorbing centrifugal machines
• Simplifying, we get
u 22  w22  V f22  2u 2Vw 2  Vw22
• Substituting in the equation (b) of the previous slide,

 p  static 
 2u V 2 w2  Vw2 
2

2
• Substituting in the equation for degree of reaction, R

R
 2u V 2 w2  Vw2 
2

1

Vw 2  2u 2  Vw 2 
, or ,
2 u2Vw 2 Vw 2 2u 2
 Vw 2 
R  1  
 2u 2 
General analysis – power absorbing centrifugal machines

Degree of reaction for different types of blades:

• For backward curved blades (β2 < 90°)

Vw 2
 1 therefore, R is always less than 1
u2

• For radial blades (β2 = 90°)

Vw2 = u2. Therefore, R = 0.5

• For forward curved blades (β2 > 90°)

Vw2 > u2. Therefore, R < 0.5
 Efficiencies

• The concept of efficiency of any machine comes from the

consideration of energy transfer and defined as the ratio of useful
energy delivered to the energy supplied.
• Two efficiencies are considered for fluid machines –
• Hydraulic efficiency (or isentropic efficiency) which relates
energy transfer between fluid and
rotor.
• Overall efficiency which relates energy transfer between fluid
and shaft.
• The difference between the two efficiencies represents the energy
absorbed by bearings, glands, couplings etc. or, in
general, energy loss that occurs between the rotor and the
point of actual power input or output.
 Efficiencies
• Efficiencies for a pump or a compressor:
useful energy in the fluid at outlet W fluid
 hyd  
mechanical energy delivered to rotor Wrotor
useful energy in the fluid at outlet W fluid
 overall  
mechanical energy delivered to shaft Wshaft
• Efficiencies for a turbine:

mechanical energy delivered by the rotor Wrotor

 hyd  
Energy available from the fluid W fluid
mechanical energy at output shaft Wshaft
 overall  
• The ratio ofEnergy available from the fluid W fluid
rotor and shaft efficiency is represented by
mechanical efficiency, ηm.
 overall
 mechanical 
 hyd
 General analysis – Turbines

• Impulse type turbines have only the kinetic energy available at

inlet of the machine for the production of power or energy
transformation. That means, the static pressure at inlet and outlet
of the machine remains the same. Hence, W1= W2. E.g., Pelton
wheel.
• Reaction turbines are those in which in addition to the kinetic
energy of the fluid at inlet, pressure energy is also available in
course of energy transformation. This implies that there is a
change of static pressure during the flow over each rotor stage.
E.g., Lawn sprinkler or Parson’s turbine.
• Turbines run on compressible fluids (e.g., steam / gas turbines)
and incompressible fluids (e.g., hydraulic turbines).
• Turbines must have a residual exit velocity to maintain flow. Even
if we have idealized frictionless flow, it is not possible to transfer
all the energy in the fluid due to the need to have a minimum exit
velocity.
General analysis – Turbines

Impulse Turbine

Reaction Turbine
 General analysis of Turbines – Utilization factor

• The hydraulic efficiency (or isentropic efficiency) of a turbine is

a product of two terms and is given by,
 hyd     v
where, ηv is the vane efficiency and takes care of frictional
losses, and Є is the utilization factor.
• The utilization factor Є is defined as the ratio of the actual work
transferred from the fluid to the rotor in an ideal condition to
the maximum possible work that could be transferred in an ideal
condition.


Wactual

    
V12  V22  u12  u22  W12  W22 
Wmax   
V12  u12  u 22  W12  W22 
V22
Wmax  Wactual 
2
 General analysis of Turbines – Utilization factor

• We also have, work done (W) as per Euler’s equation,

Wactual  Vw1u1  Vw 2u2 

• Substituting we get,


Vw1u1  Vw2u2 
V22
Vw1u1  Vw2u2  
2
• Similarly, Є can also be expressed in terms of degree of reaction, R

R H d  H s   H s
H static
R therefore, RH d  RH s  H s
H static  H dyn
RH d  H s (1  R)
 : static head RH d
Hs 
  : dynamic head (1  R)
 General analysis of Turbines – Utilization factor

Hdyn Hstatic


Wactual

  
V12  V22  u12  u 22  W12  W22   
Wmax

u1  u 2  W1  W2 
2 2 2
 
2 V12
2

Hstatic
• Substituting for Hstatic,

RH dyn
 H dyn
(1  R) RH dyn  H dyn  RH dyn H dyn
  
RH dyn V1 2
V1 2
V12
 RH dyn  1  R  RH dyn  1  R 
(1  R ) 2 2 2
 General analysis of Turbines – Utilization factor

• Writing Hdyn in terms of V1 and V2,

V12  V22
H dyn 2
 
V12  V12  V22  V12
RH dyn  1  R  R   1  R 
2  2  2

V12  V22 V12  V22

 
R V12  V22   1 2
V 2
 1  R  RV1
2
 RV 2
2
 V1
2
 RV 2
2

V1  V22
This expression holds good for 0 < R < 1 but
V V 2 2
 1 2 not for R=1 because then the utilization factor
V  RV 22
1
2 Є=1 indicating 100% utilization with the result
that the exit velocity V2 becomes zero.
 Axial flow Turbines

• In axial flow machines, the fluid enters and leaves the rotor at
the same radius and hence u1= u2.
• The axial flow velocity Vf is assumed to be constant from inlet to
outlet.
• With u1= u2 the equation for degree of reaction becomes:

R
W 2
2
 W12 

W22  W12 
V
1
2
V2
2
  W2  W1
2 2
 Wactual
• From this equation, the different values of R can be obtained
depending on the magnitude of velocity components.
 Axial flow Turbines
• When R < 0 (negative reaction)
If R is negative, W1 should be greater than W2. In this case, even
though R is negative, the energy transfer, Wactual is positive.

V1
V2 W2
W1
1 1 2 2 Velocity triangle for R < 0
u u

• When R = 0 (Impulse type)

If R is 0, W1= W2 and hence 1 = 2.. In this case, there is no
change in static pressure across the rotor and the energy
transformation occurs purely due to the change in absolute
kinetic energy (V12 – V22)/2.

V1 W2
W1 Velocity triangle for R = 0
V2

1 1 2 2
u u
 Axial flow Turbines
• When R = 0.5 (50% reaction)
If R is 0.5, V12- V22 = Vr22-Vr12 and hence V1= Vr2 and V2= Vr1. In this
case, 50% energy transformation occurs in the rotor and the other
50% in the stator.

V1 W2
W1 V2

1 1 2 2 Velocity triangle for R = 0.5

u u

• When R = 1 (Fully reaction)

If R is 1, V1 = V2. In this case, the energy transformation occurs
purely due to change in relative kinetic energy of fluid.

W2
V1
W1 V2

1 1 2 2 Velocity triangle for R = 1

u u
 Axial flow Turbines
• When R > 1
If R is > 1, V2 > V1. In this case, the energy transformation can be
negative or positive.

W2
V1
W1
V2

1 1 2 2 Velocity triangle for R > 1

u u

• Maximum utilization factor

For maximum utilization, the value of V2 should be minimum and
this is possible when V2 is axial.

V1 W2
W1 V2

1 1 2 2 Velocity triangle for maximum utilization (max)

u u
 Condition for maximum utilization
• We have the utilization factor
V12  V22
 2
V1  RV22
• From velocity triangle for maximum utilization factor max,V2 = V1sin1.
Therefore,

 max 
V
 V12 sin 2 1
1
2


V  RV12 sin 2 1
1
2

 max  2

V12 1  sin 2 1 

cos 2 1

V1 1  R sin 12

1  R sin 2 1

• This shows that the utilization factor is maximum when 1 = 0. Then

V2 = V1sin1 = 0 which is a “zero angle turbine” that is impossible
to attain.
 Condition for maximum utilization-Impulse Turbine

• Condition for max in impulse turbine

For impulse turbine, R=0 (and Vr1=Vr2). Substituting in the equation
for max,
cos 2 1
 max 
1  R sin 2 1
For R  0,  max  cos 2 1
O
• Triangles OBC and OCD are similar. Hence
BC = u. Thus for max the impulse stage V1 W2
must have cosα1=(u+u)/V1=2u/V1. W1 V2

1 1 2 2
A u B C u D
• But (u/V1)=φ=speed ratio=cosα1/2

• For zero angle (α1=0) turbine, the speed ratio (u/v)=0.5

Condition for maximum utilization-Turbine with 50% reaction

• When R = 0.5, V1 = Vr2 and V2 = Vr1 and

hence α1 = β2 and α2 = β1. For maximum
utilization, V2 must be axial.
V1 W2
• From velocity triangle, W1 V2
V2  V1 sin 1 1 1 2 2

 max 
V V
1
2
2
2

V  V sin 1
1
2
 1
2 2
 u u

V  RV 2 V  R V12 sin 2 1
1
2 2
1
2
 
1  sin 2 1 cos 2 1
 max  
1  R sin 1 1  R sin 2 1
2

for R  0.5, Also, for 50% reaction

turbine,
cos 2 1 u
 max  Speed ratio   cos 1
1  0.5 sin 2 1 V1
 Comparison of energy transfer between Impulse and
Reaction turbines

V1 W2 V1 W2
V2 W1 V2
W1

2 2 1 1  2 2
1 1
ui ur ur
ui

Velocity triangle for max – Impulse Turbine Velocity triangle for max – 50% Reaction Turbine

Case (1): When both have the same blade speed

• Let ui and ur be the blade speed of impulse turbine and 50%
reaction turbine.
• Energy transfer by impulse turbine is given by
W .D.impulse  Vw1u1  Vw 2u 2   ui Vw1  Vw 2 
W .D.impulse  uiVw1
• From velocity triangle for impulse turbine, Vw1 = 2ui. Hence,

W .D.impulse  2ui2
 Comparison of energy transfer between Impulse and
Reaction turbines
• Energy transfer by the 50% reaction turbine is given by:
W .D.0.5 R  urVw1
• From velocity triangle for 50% reaction turbine, Vw1 = ur
W .D.0.5 R  ur ur  ur2
By comparing W.D.impulse and W.D.0.5 reaction we note that the energy
transfer per unit mass of fluid in Impulse turbine is twice that of 50%
reaction turbine for the same blade speed when utilization factor is
maximum.
Case (2): When both have same energy transfer
• For the same amount of energy transfer, Er = Ei
i.e.,
ur2  2ui2
or , u r  2ui2  1.414ui
For the same amount of energy transfer under maximum utilization condition, the
peripheral speed of a 50% reaction turbine should be 1.414 times that of an impulse
turbine
 Comparison of energy transfer between Impulse and
Reaction turbines
Case (3): When V1 and α1 are the same in both the machines
• Speed ratio for impulse stage for maximum utilization is:
ui cos 1
 
V1 2
or , 2ui  V1 cos 1
• Speed ratio for 50% reaction stage for maximum utilization is:

ur
   cos 1
V1
or , u r  V1 cos 1
Therefore ,
ur  2ui
When V1 and α1 are the same, when operating under maximum utilization condition,
the rotational speed for 50% reaction turbine should be double that of impulse
turbine.
 Optimum blade speed ratio (Φopt) for different types of
turbines for max. energy transfer (W.D.)max
• Impulse Turbine:
For max. utilization, AB = BC = u O

Vw1 u  u 2u
cos 1    V1
W2

V1 V1 V1 W1 V2

u cos 1 1 1 2 2
  opt   A u B C u D
V1 2
W .D. max  u1Vw1  u1V1 cos 1  u1.2u1  2u12
Vf 1 V1 sin 1 1
tan 1   
Vw1  u V1 cos 1  u  V1 cos 1  u 
 V sin    V sin  
 1 1  1 1

1
tan 1   2 tan 1
cot 1 
cot 1   
 2 
Optimum blade speed ratio (Φopt) for different types of
turbines for max. energy transfer (W.D.)max
• 50% Reaction Turbine:
For max. utilization,
V1 W2
W1 V2

Vw1 u1
cos 1      opt 1
ur
1 2
ur
2

V1 V1
W .D.  u1Vw1  u2Vw 2
W .D.  u1Vw1  u1V1  u 2